Navigating without a mouse
Some web users are unable to use a mouse for navigation. This page describes how users can navigate this website with just the keyboard or by using special shortcuts known as access keys.
Access keys
Access keys are shortcuts for keyboard users to facilitate navigation in the website. Windows browsers use the 'Alt' + 'access key' in Internet Explorer and 'Shift' + 'Alt' + 'access key' in Firefox to select the destination. Macintosh browsers use 'Control' + 'access key'. Once selected, press 'Enter' to activate the link. The access keys used in this website are:
- S: Skip to content
- 1: Home page
- 2: News
- 3: Site map
- 4: Search
- 5: not used
- 6: not used
- 7: Contact us
- 8: Feedback
- 9: Privacy
- 0: Access key details (this page)
Tabbing through web pages
Using the keyboard to browse a website can be a useful alternative to using a mouse. For some people, it is the only way to navigate around a page. Pressing the 'Tab' key will select the next link on the page. Pressing the 'Tab' key repeatedly will move forward to the next available link. Once the web user has reached the chosen link, then pressing the 'Enter' key will activate that link. To move backwards in a page use the 'Shift' + 'Tab' keys together.
A 'skip to content' key is provided to enable users to move straight to the content of a web page without reinitiating a new tab sequence.
When a new window is opened from this website, use 'Alt' + 'F4' to close it and return to the website.
Calculator
Some calculators on this website use drop down menus for input fields. After tabbing into a drop down menu, press 'Alt' + 'down arrow' together to display the list selection. Use the 'up arrow' or 'down arrow' to select the choice and then press 'Enter' to confirm your selection.
News search
The news search has a date selection function and a topic selection function.
The date selection function is optional and includes a drop down menu for calendar month selection. After tabbing into the date selection field, press 'Alt' + 'down arrow' together to display the list selection. Use the 'up arrow' or 'down arrow' to select the choice and then press 'Enter' to confirm your selection.
The topic selection function uses check boxes. Use the 'Tab' key to navigate between check boxes. Press 'Spacebar' to select a topic choice. To cancel or deselect a check box, use the 'Tab' to navigate to the selected item and press 'Spacebar'.
Circular search
The circular search uses a topic selection function with check boxes. Use the 'Tab' key to navigate between check boxes. Press 'Spacebar' to select a topic. To cancel or deselect a check box, use the 'Tab' to navigate to the selected item and press 'Spacebar'.
Subscription service
The circular search uses a topic selection function with check boxes. Use the 'Tab' key to navigate between check boxes. Press 'Spacebar' to select a topic choice. To cancel or deselect a check box, use the 'Tab' to navigate to the selected item and press 'Spacebar'.
Online feedback form
Two types of feedback forms are provided - general feedback and web manager feedback. Use the 'Tab' key to navigate between data entry fields. The general feedback form uses a topic selection drop down menu. After tabbing into the menu field, press 'Alt' + 'down arrow' together to display the list selection. Use the 'up arrow' or 'down arrow' to select the choice and then press 'Enter' to confirm your selection.
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